This is a Hybrid Event, meaning you can attend virtually via Zoom or, in-person at the Palestine Museum US, 1764 Litchfield Turnpike, Woodbridge, Connecticut, USA. The program begins at 12:00 PM US EDT; 18:00 Europe;19:00 Palestine Time.
Palestine Museum US Open House - Week 5
Providing the Palestinian Perspective on the Current Events
Dr. Sharon C. Smith, PhD
Smith holds a research affiliation in the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture (SA+P) at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Smith is also an independent scholar, artist, and curator who served as faculty at Boston College (22/23) and as an associate academic and Curator for the Middle East and Africa at Arizona State University from August 2018 - March 2022. Smith engaged in projects at ASU with the Institute for Humanities Research, the Center for Religion and Conflict, and the School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies. She has served on numerous committees and boards including as a Participating Expert for UNESCO’s Safeguarding of Syria’s Cultural Heritage Committee. Currently, she serves as Chair of the Endangered Libraries and Archives Committee for the Middle East Librarians Association (MELA) and was recently one of ten experts named to the Center for Research Library’s International Collections and Content Group. At ASU, Dr. Smith is affiliated with the Council for Arabic and Islamic Studies and an officer in the Center for Maghrib Studies.
Our Topic: Information Professionals and Academic Freedom in a Time of Cultural Terrorism
Join us for a though-provoking conversation on the pressing issue of academic freedom and the role of information professionals in today's climate of cultural terrorism. This event is proudly organized in collaboration with Librarians and Archivists with Palestine (LAP) – a network committed to supporting the Palestinian struggle for self-determination and advocating for the free flow of information.
Our distinguished guest, Dr. Sharon C. Smith, a respected academic and member of LAP since its inception in 2013, will share her insights and experiences in navigating the challenges faced by information professionals in promoting objective information in the context of the Palestinian struggle. With the current epoch being LAP's tenth year in operation, we recognize the ever-increasing significance of accurate information dissemination.
Now more than ever, it is vital to acknowledge the importance of understanding the Palestinian struggle and to critically examine the manipulation and misuse of language surrounding it. Recently, cultural terrorism has emerged as a powerful force, casting a dark shadow over the pursuit of justice and self-determination. This insidious phenomenon seeks to suppress and distort narratives, perpetuating stereotypes that undermine the very essence of a just and equitable society. Sadly, this form of terrorism has found its way into the lives of students, faculty, and literary professionals who dare to voice their support or participate in Palestinian events and publications.
One of the most alarming aspects of this cultural terrorism is the retaliation faced by those who speak up for the rights of Palestinians. Students, who are often at the forefront of advocating for justice, find themselves facing dismissal, cancellation of extended job offers, and other forms of punishment for daring to challenge the status quo. Such actions not only stifle discourse but also create an environment of fear and self-censorship.
Faculty members, who are entrusted with nurturing critical thinking and independent thought, have become targets of retribution for engaging in activities that promote Palestinian rights. These dedicated educators are faced with the difficult choice of either abandoning their principles or facing professional consequences. The result is a generation of students denied a well-rounded education that encompasses diverse perspectives and struggles.
Literary professionals, who contribute significantly to shaping public opinion, have also fallen victim to this cultural terrorism. Authors, poets, and journalists who lend their voices in support of the Palestinian cause face the unfortunate cancellation of their engagements, as their views are deemed too controversial or inconvenient for the mainstream narrative. This cancellation not only silences these influential individuals but also deprives the public of diverse perspectives and the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue.
During our Open House, we will delve into the crucial role information professionals play in upholding academic freedom and safeguarding the integrity of information. This event will address the challenges faced by librarians, archivists, and other information workers in their pursuit of authentic representation and meaningful engagement with the Palestinian struggle. By engaging in this conversation, we hope to shed light on the various forms of cultural terrorism that subvert a fair understanding of the Palestinian narrative. Through dialogue and thoughtful exploration of these issues, we can collectively work towards dismantling these barriers and empowering information professionals to disseminate truthful and unbiased information. We invite all individuals passionate about academic freedom, social justice, and the accurate representation of the Palestinian struggle to join us for this event.